goodbye crowing hen...hello bully!

[PJB]

So, I said goodbye to my crowing hen (Rosie) as she turned out to be a cockrel in the end. Still can't talk about her in male terms, she'll always be Rosie to us!!!! Its very sad and although we couldn't keep a cockrel, its strangely quiet these past couple of mornings.

So Penny (our new exchanged pekin) is now bullying Cloudy and not letting her at the food or water in the morning until she is finished. She is pecking her and chasing her away. Poor cloudy, who was a cautious wee thing anyhow, is not doing well with this and clucks around waiting her turn.

Is this normal? Rosie and Cloudy got on fine, but I got them at the same time so I'm supposing that might make a difference. I have no space to separate them so any advice gratefully received.

????

PJB

[yoanbob]

they will sort it out, its heartbreaking to watch i know but dont interfear, they are just establishing the pecking order it takes a few weeks but they will become friends in time, in the mean time you can put down another food bowl or even two and extra water just to be sure cloudy is getting her share, the new one will try to guard all of them but wont be able to, other than that its just a waiting game, it will happen but it does take time and a lot of patience and strength not to interfere.
good luck.

[PJB]

That sounds good advice. I'll get the feeders sorted out tomorrow morning. Thanks.

PJB